On October 2, the 31st edition of the INTERGEM in Idar-Oberstein will open its doors.
The economic importance of the trade fair for gemstones, pearls, jewellery and technology is underlined by the opening speaker Mrs. Doris Ahnen, Minister of Finance of the Federal State of Rhineland-Palatinate. Mrs. Ahnen will give the starting signal for the incomparable industry event, together with Mr. Jochen Müller, President of the Diamond and Gemstone Bourse, and Mr. Frank Frühauf, Lord Mayor of Idar-Oberstein in front of about 250 invited guests of honour. Jochen Müller notes: “This small but mighty trade fair perfectly represents our gemstone- and jewellery region with its topic “quality in variety”. INTERGEM Managing Director Kai-Uwe Hille points out that due to declining resources, the importance of the INTERGEM will prosper in the upcoming years: “This exclusive shopping window of the industry is likely to be the most important event in Europe for rough and cut gemstones, pearls and gemstone jewellery designed by renowned artists. Many of the extraordinary exhibits can solely be found at the INTERGEM in this variety and quality.”
Market experts have been warning for quite some time: Many mines are exhausted; the yields of most of the important gemstone varieties are declining while demands keep rising. The consequence is a lack of high quality rough stones. Prices are at historic highs. The prices for some coloured stones have multiplied by a tenfold. Jochen Müller states: “Limited natural products cannot be pulled out of the hat in desired shapes and numbers. Quite often the hat remains empty. This makes it even more important for goldsmiths, jewellers, designers and manufacturers to provide themselves with all their supplies for their jewellery dreams at the INTERGEM. Here they have the opportunity to gain information fist hand and to examine new findings from around the world.”
The INTERGEM presents 115 exhibitors, a varying professional programme and numerous live presentations. More than 3500 professional visitors are expected until Monday, October 5.
